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Flamengo wins Libertadores over Athletico-PR with Gabigol's goal

Flamengo are champions once again
Flamengo are champions once againProfimedia
Flamengo are three-time champions of the Copa Libertadores. The team beat Athletico-PR 1-0 on Saturday at the Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil, and won the cup for the second time in the last four years.

As in 2019, the hero of Flamengo's title was Gabriel Barbosa, who scored for the fourth time in a Libertadores final. The striker took advantage of a cross from another player who was there the previous time they won the trophy, Everton Ribeiro, to secure the victory. 

The victory in Ecuador crowned a near-impeccable red-and-black campaign, with 12 wins and one draw in 13 games. Flamengo became the first team to be undefeated Libertadores champions since Corinthians in 2012. The feat is shared with Peñarol (1960), Santos (1963), Independiente (1964), Estudiantes (1969 and 1970) and Boca Juniors (1978).

Red for Pedro Henrique changes the game

In the 40th minute, the Athletico-PR had the best chances, with Roque and Alex Santana, and neutralised Fla, who were still missing Filipe Luís through injury.

Check out the statistics of the match

In the 43rd minute, a slip-up by Pedro Henrique changed the outcome of the match. The Athletic defender was sent off for a foul on Gabigol.

Flamengo's defense disorganized and lifted the cup

Flamengo took advantage of the disorganization of the rival defense to open the scoring in the first half. In a move led by the "old guard", Everton Ribeiro played with Rodinei and crossed perfectly for Gabigol to score his fourth goal in three Libertadores finals. The number 9 punished Felipão's choice of waiting until half-time to put the defence back together.

The best chance of the second half was again Gabigol. The number 9 was face to face with Bento, who this time had the best of it. Furacão even tried to smother in the last minutes, but there was no way out: Flamengo won the Libertadores for the third time.